The Race for the 401st District Court of Collin County

This year’s republican judicial primary had a recent “surprise twist.” One of the candidates, James Mosser, switched races from the 380th (with a crowded field) to the 401st. The 401st District Court was not an open bench, but rather it is presided over by Judge Mark Rusch. This years election will be held during the May 29, 2012 Republican Primary.

The 401st District Court is a general jurisdiction court. It hears Family Law matters (divorces, child custody cases), Felony criminal matters, and civil matters. The court was created in 2000 at which time Judge Mark Rusch was appointed. He has presided as the sitting judge since then. He has been re-elected twice, although I do not believe either time was contested.

MARK RUSCH

Mark Rusch began his 12 year tenure with the Collin County District Attorney’s office in the summer of 1984, rising to the level of chief felony prosecutor. In 1989 he became Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. During his time as a prosecutor, he tried cases ranging from traffic violations to capital murder.

Judge Rusch ran for judge of the newly created County Court at Law #4 bench and won the election in 1996. He presided over misdemeanor criminal cases, civil and mental health matters. He was appointed by then Governor George W. Bush to the newly created 401st District Court and took that office on September 1, 2000. He has presided over the court since that time.

“I believe a judge’s role is to interpret the law, not to make the law. In 15+ years of service on the bench, I have never wavered from this position and I never will. I respectfully ask for your support in the May 29, 2012 Republican Primary Election.”

More about Judge Mark Rusch can be found on his campaign website at www.markrusch.org

JAMES MOSSER

James Mosser has practiced law in private practice for 18 years. During that time he has handled complex civil litigation, family law, and criminal defense.

Mr. Mosser is a self described ” Navy brat” and attended more than 17 different schools before graduating from high school. He began college in Japan, before transferring to the University of Texas in Austin. At UT he participated in Navy ROTC, and upon graduation he was commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy.

James flew many combat missions in Vietnam, and he is qualified on both fixed-wing and rotary aircraft. After flying several fixed wing aircraft, and carrier qualifying, he completed helicopter transition and obtained my Wings of Gold. During his service he spent a year in Vietnam as an aviator and member of the elite Navy Seawolf Squadron (HAL-3). Flying nearly a combat mission a day that year in Light Attack Helicopters mostly supporting SEAL teams, and Riverine Patrol Boat Operations on the Cambodian-Viet Nam Border.

After his honorable discharge in 1973, James embarked on a series of careers ranging from financial analyst to restaurant management to aircraft sales and leasing. All leading up to his eventual ownership of his own law firm.

“I realize I may be a little late into this race. I have lived my life and conducted my career with the expectations to prepare myself to one day serve the courts like many great men and women I have known over the years.”